In Real Estate Bd. of New York, Inc. v. City of New York, Petitioner-Plaintiff Real Estate Board of New York, Inc. (“REBNY”) commenced a hybrid article 78 proceeding and plenary action against the City of New York (“City”) challenging the City’s adoption of Local Law No. 50 of 2015 (“
Defective SEQRA Determination Derails South Nassau Cultural Center
A recent decision from the Nassau County Supreme Court, Healy v. Town of Hempstead Board of Appeals, overturned a municipal determination that granted special zoning exceptions and variances to a Greek Orthodox Church located in Merrick, New York. The church wanted to construct a two-story cultural center and related parking next to the church.
Third Department Affirms “Neg. Dec.” Do-Over in Village of Ballston Spa v. City of Saratoga Springs
In SEQRA parlance, a “Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance”, or “Neg. Dec.”, is a lead agency’s finding that the proposed Type I or Unlisted Action under review will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts. An applicant whose project receives a Neg. Dec. is spared the (often) considerable time and expense of preparing an
Challenge to Montauk Motel’s Restaurant Fails at Supreme Court Level
The Breakers Motel has been a fixture in Montauk since the 1950’s. Situated at 769 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk New York, the motel has 26 units, a pool and restaurant and is located across the street from the ocean.
In 2015 a building permit was issued by the Town of East Hampton Building Department approving
Faulty SEQRA Sinks Village’s Use of Eminent Domain
Earlier this year, the Third Department handed down a surprising upset in the eminent domain arena. See, Matter of Adirondack Historical Association v Village of Lake Placid, 161 A.D.3d 1256 [3d Dept 2018]. The Appellate Division nullified the condemnation because the Village of Lake Placid failed to consider the environmental impact of its use
Second Department Upholds Board of Zoning Appeals Decision Finding Vacant Land Was Not Single and Separate
Given the complex zoning regulations that govern development of vacant land, in recent years, it has become uniquely challenging to develop smaller tracts of vacant land that do not conform to the current zoning code. Further, the doctrines of merger and single and separate add to the complications. Unless a buyer is absolutely certain that
Town Considers New Zoning Regulations for Port Washington Waterfront
Following the adoption of a moratorium on development along Port Washington’s waterfront, North Hempstead Town officials have proposed new zoning regulations designed to preserve public access and prevent excess building in Port Washington’s Waterfront Business (“B-W”) District. The Town’s B-W District encompasses approximately 10 acres adjacent to Manhasset Bay, and runs along the west side
The Domain of Interpreting Zoning Ordinance: “Resort” to the Zoning Board of Appeals
In opposing Crossroad Ventures, LLC’s (“Crossroad Ventures“) endeavor to construct a vacation resort partially within the Town of Shandaken, (“Town“), grassroots preservation organization Catskill Heritage Alliance, Inc. (“Alliance“) commenced two consecutive Article 78 proceedings challenging certain approvals. The Court addressed multiple appeals from both proceedings in Catskill Heritage Alliance,
Revitalizing Long Island’s Downtown Communities – Part Two. Central Islip Awarded $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant
Last week, we reported on a $10 million award issued by the State to help revitalize downtown Hicksville. Well, the Governor is at it again. On August 8th, Governor Cuomo announced the winners of the third round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative; and Central Islip is the big winner on Long
Hicksville’s $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award – Get Ready For Some Big Changes
On July 3rd, Governor Cuomo announced that the state was giving the Town of Oyster Bay a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award that will help underwrite four transformative projects in downtown Hicksville. These projects are aimed at increasing transportation access, improving walkability, and attracting new housing opportunities. Here’s what is planned with